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USA Universities Accepting TOEFL Score 75 or Less

USA Universities Accepting TOEFL Score 75 or Less

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"Explore the USA Universities Accepting TOEFL Score 75 or Less and learn tips for improving your application, including conditional admission options and alternative language tests."

As an international prospective student who wishes to study at any university in the USA, you need to provide the TOEFL exam score to process your application. As English is the primary language which is used for instruction, one must acquire the necessary skills to pursue a higher degree at many universities. There are many universities which require a student to achieve a strict minimum score that varies among courses. However, not all universities have strict score requirements and some of them accept students with a TOEFL score of 75 or less to apply and be considered for admission purposes. 

This blog will discuss the list of universities in the USA that accept TOEFL scores 75 or less, and other admission requirements and also a few tips to understand the TOEFL exam better.

How is TOEFL assessed and scored?

It is necessary for candidates to familiarise themselves with the TOEFL exam and the way they will be assessed. The TOEFL iBT has a scoring range of 0-120 which consists of four sections assessing the skills.

  • Reading (Scores out of 30) 
  • Listening (Scores out of 30) 
  • Speaking (Scores out of 30) 
  • Writing (Scores out of 30) 

Therefore, a score of 75 can be referred to as a low and medium score. An individual scoring a 75 in their TOEFL exam might find it difficult to meet the minimum required scores, ranging from 80-100. Such a score is usually required by many universities in the world. 

However, students with a TOEFL score of 75 can also get admission to the U.S. universities. Many of these institutes accept applications under their conditional offer letter.  They  would also help the applicants to undergo the alternative languages into their academic goals even though they scored a 75 or less in the TOEFL exam.

List of USA Universities Accepting TOEFL Scores of 75 or Less

If the applicant has strong academic credentials, the universities accept their application. However, it depends on case to case basis and must be confirmed with the admissions office of the particular university. 

Below is the table which illustrates the list of USA universities which accept a TOEFL score of 75 or less.

University Name

Minimum TOEFL iBT Score Requirement

Missouri State University

Overall score of 61

University of Colorado Boulder

An overall score of 75

An overall score of 83 only in engineering

University of Mississippi

An overall score of 68 with intensive English Programme

An overall score of 79 in undergraduate and graduate admission

Arizona State University

Overall score of 61

University of Illinois at Chicago

Overall score of 60

Portland State University

Overall score of 68

Bowling Green State University

Overall score of 61

University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Overall score of 69

Michigan State University

Overall score of 60

Washington State University

Overall score of 68

Tips for applicants who scored 75 or less in TOEFL

For individuals scoring a TOEFL score of 75 or less could follow the below tips which they can incorporate while planning to apply at US universities.

  • Conditional Admission: Many universities offer conditional admission to students who have TOEFL scores of 75 or less. The student will have to take an English language course or attend an ESL program before going into other regular academic courses. 
  • Submit Proof of Proficiency: Along with the TOEFL scores, you may consider including other evidence that will show your level of proficiency in English, such as transcripts from English-taught courses, recommendation letters, or scores from other standardized tests.
  • Be Prepared to Retake the TOEFL: If possible, consider retaking the TOEFL exam to improve your score, especially since your score is close to the required criteria. Try to improve and note down your areas of improvement. 
  • Find Out If the University Accepts Tests Other Than TOEFL: Some universities have other conditions, such as accepting alternative tests like IELTS or PTE Academic. Consider taking one of these tests if you believe that they can best reflect your English competencies. 
  • Strengthen Other Aspects of Your Application: Good academic records, extracurricular activities, and well-written personal statements would be able to balance a TOEFL score of 75 or less. 

With the right strategies, you can start with your application to the universities in the US accepting a TOEFL score of 75 or less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a TOEFL score of 75 or less acceptable for graduate programmes in the USA?

If an applicant is scoring the TOEFL exam of around 75 or less, they can apply to various undergraduate programmes. While many universities in the USA require a higher TOEFL score for admission into their graduates' courses, which is usually in the range of 80-100, one needs to check with the requirements first. There are some universities, however, that provide a chance of conditional admission, allowing you to improve your English skills before commencing your graduate programme.

What do universities in the USA consider in the admissions process apart from TOEFL test scores?

Many American universities often review other factors or documents of the candidates apart from the TOEFL score while evaluating their application. A good academic record, involvement in extracurricular activities, well-written concise personal statements, and letters of recommendation will play a major role where the university might consider your application after receiving a low TOEFL score.

Should I retake the TOEFL exam if my score is low?

If your TOEFL score is right below the required minimum for English Proficiency level, you can consider retaking the exam with rigorous practice while focusing on the areas of improvement. A better score will make your application even more competitive thereby increasing your chances of being admitted.

Is the TOEFL requirement different for undergraduate and graduate programmes in the USA?

Yes! The TOEFL score requirements for graduate programmes are usually higher compared to those for undergraduate programmes. This is because graduate courses focus on advanced academic language skills such as understanding complex texts in an academic setting. The graduate programmes usually require scores from 80 to 100 while some undergraduate programmes might accept scores of 75, especially for applicants with strong academic backgrounds.

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